The CF team are well travelled, it comes with the job. But what about the places they discover whilst on their travels?
Our editors share some of their their favourite (and unique) stores found across Europe, from vintage boutiques to beauty outlets. Bookmark this for your travels to Italy, Ibiza, Greece and beyond.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
Barcelona has created some very special designers and family run boutiques with such brilliant buyers. Santa Eulalia is a family-owned, multi-brand boutique, open since 1843, and it was a pioneer in bringing haute couture to Catalunya. In the high-end luxury corridor of Passeig de Gràcia, the shop is simply beautiful, with airy interiors designed by New York City’s William Sofield with exquisitely edited collections. La Manual Alpargatera is espadrille heaven. The selection is vast but the shopping experience itself is worth a visit. Finally, in a narrow alley of Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter, you’ll find Eli Urpí and their hats and handbags which are as much wearable as they are artwork. I always pick up a book when I travel and La Central is a great spot where you can find poetry and artworks, foreign-language novels and hard-to-find editions.
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Gemma Louise Deeks, Fashion Editor
I recently stayed at Palazzo Avino, perched on the picturesque cliffs in the town of Ravello, in Italy’s Amalfi Coast. It’s only fitting the stunning pink palace has a boutique synonymous with the magical atmosphere of its surroundings, and The Pink Closet is just a few metres from the hotel’s entrance, offering a curated edit of exquisite pieces. Avino sister Mariella is the visionary behind the boutique, portraying the hotel’s feminine soul through the concept store which is full of treasures inside. The decor is a haven of femininity and the edit of pieces, from fashion to jewellery and homeware was chosen personally by Mariella. Expect a unique edit from brands all over the world, or take home trinkets found in the hotel for the most sophisticated hotel merchandise you’ll ever see. Pink, of course.
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Becki Murray, Beauty Editor
Whenever I visit Paris, I always leave lots of space in my suitcase so that I can stock up on the amazing products from the French pharmacies. (I also take the Eurotunnel to avoid liquid limits, such is my obsession!). The best known pharmacy is definitely Citypharma in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, where the staff are on hand to help you choose your products. However, to avoid the beauty crowds, I actually prefer to head away from tourist areas and find any small pharmacy (identifiable by the classic green neon cross) to browse more slowly. They also tend to be home to more niche French beauty gems that don’t export to the UK just yet.
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Katie Silcox, Managing Editor
Anthologist founder Andria Mitsakos travels the world not only sourcing for her gallery-like, by-invite-only store in a neoclassical Athens townhouse, but also to find and collaborate with global artisans to create one-off pieces. Located behind an unmarked blue door, entering Anthologist is an invite to shop the world. Pieces vary depending on Andria’s most recent travels but currently include: dresses and kimonos crafted in Egypt using hand-painted batik textiles from Sri Lanka; dinner sets sourced in Cairo; and Armenian-made jackets using vintage velvet from Uzbekistan. During summer season, you’ll also find stores at Cosme and Parīlio, two of the best hotels on the Greek island of Paros. Email the showroom to book an appointment.
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Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
I just love a expertly curated store where I can pick up beautiful and unusual pieces for my home as well as clothing and accessories. El Patio Boutique at the Marbella Club absolutely ticks all those boxes. We stayed there in July and I managed to sneak off for a mooch around it’s gorgeous shopping arcade while all my boys were on the beach. That place is the stuff of dreams for me. From kaftans by Pippa Holt (I’m a devoted fan) and Anya Hindmarch baskets, to beautiful table wear from Maison Margaux and the lush Votary skincare that is stocked in the hotel’s bathrooms, this is a colourful treasure trove that enables shoppers to emulate the Club’s fantastic sense of style. I would happily have bought the lot! And as if that wasn’t delightful enough, there are plenty more wonderful shopping opportunities. Head to the beachside boutique for if it’s a bikini or some trunks or the onsite Loewe store for a extra special Spanish souvenir! Plus the good news is you don’t have to be a guest to pop in so add it to you’re must-visit list if you are ever nearby.
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Ella Mansell, Editorial Assistant
Lisbon is such a vibrant, fun city brimming with independent spots, and the shopping here is no exception. I recently discovered the boutique fashion store Franka which opened in March this year. Franka stocks a beautifully curated edit of the chicest contemporary brands, including most of my favourites. Discover hand-selected items from the new collections of Copenhagen-based brand Lié Studio, Australian resort wear from Matteau, Hidn-Ander from Italy, Rodebjer from Amsterdam, Sea from New York, local Portugese brands, and much more. Franka’s list of new arrivals – both international established and local, emerging brands – keeps growing, so it’s definitely a spot to re-visit on repeat.
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Bibiana Obahor, Head of Design
I recently discovered Rondini in St Tropez, the oldest accessories house in the city. They were founded in 1927 and have been handcrafting the famous Tropéziennes sandals for nearly a decade. They have a bespoke process so you can choose your style and colour, and they will adjust to your feet so you leave with the perfect pair.
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Sheila Victorio, Partnerships: Restaurants, Food & Drink
I’ve spent a lot of summers in Ibiza over the years, and love discovering boutiques and brands that match my eclectic fashion sense. Archive Closet has a curated edit of luxury vintage from all over the world, and the founder personally pursuits rare gems during her travels. They have everything from vintage Versace to Dior.
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Lead image: Palazzo Avino
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